We’re All Eating More Poke, and I Think I Know Why
Because when It’s on a Nacho plate at The Yard House it's healthy (well sort-of)
So apparently, we’re all eating something called poke now. It’s spelled p-o-k-e but it’s pronounced “poh-keh,” which is adorable—like a tiny Hawaiian chef gently poking your fish before putting it in a bowl.
Everyone’s eating it. You’re eating it. Your neighbor is eating it. Your dog wants to eat it (don’t let him; it’s expensive).
What is poke?
Poke is basically sushi in sweatpants. It’s chunks of raw fish, usually tuna or salmon, with soy sauce, sesame oil, onions, seaweed, spicy mayo, and whatever else you want. They throw it on rice, salad, or nachos if you’re at The Yard House, trying to be classy while still eating chips made of fried wonton (yummy).
A personal confession
Speaking of The Yard House—my friend and I are officially obsessed with their Poke Nachos. We’ve been there three times this week, and we cannot stop ordering them. Every time we try to order something else, we look at each other and say, “Just one more time…” like it’s the last chip we’ll ever eat.
And let me tell you: crispy wonton chips, creamy avocado, spicy tuna, sriracha aioli, and cilantro all together are so good, we’re considering making “Yard House Poke Nacho Connoisseurs” our official job titles.
Where did poke come from?
Fun fact: “Poke” means “to slice or cut crosswise into pieces” in Hawaiian.
Poke started with Native Hawaiians cutting up raw reef fish, seasoning it with sea salt, seaweed, and crushed kukui nuts. Japanese immigrants later brought soy sauce and sesame oil, turning poke into the delicious bowl we know today.
So yes, it’s a mix of Hawaiian tradition and Japanese influence, made to taste like sunshine, surfboards, and a day you called in sick to go to the beach.
Why are we all obsessed?
Because it’s customizable:
Tuna, salmon, tofu?
Rice, salad, nachos?
Avocado (always), spicy mayo (duh), crispy onions, edamame?
It’s like a sushi salad you build yourself, and it always ends up costing $30 because you added everything, but it’s worth it!
Why is poke actually healthy?
So it turns out our Yard House habit is actually healthy (well, mostly):
Omega-3s for your heart and brain (tuna/salmon).
High protein to keep you full.
Vitamins & minerals (Vitamin D, B12, iodine, magnesium).
Low processed junk if you skip the extra creamy sauces (but let’s be real, you won’t).
Healthy fats if you add avocado.
Fiber from edamame, cucumber, and seaweed salad.
Basically, it’s health food disguised as something you crave at midnight.
It’s delicious!
It’s a flavor party in every bite! You get buttery, soft fish that melts on your tongue like ocean velvet, paired with crunchy toppings—crispy onions, fresh cucumbers, or tempura flakes—that surprise you with every chew. Then there’s the spicy mayo, because let’s be honest, Americans believe everything is better with a little spicy mayo drizzle.
Just eat it…
If you haven’t tried poke yet, do it. It’s fresh, delicious, and makes you feel like you’re in Hawaii—even if you’re actually sitting at The Yard House, laughing with your friend while fighting over the last poke nacho on the plate.
Just remember, it’s pronounced “poh-keh.” But if you say “poke” like “poke your friend on Facebook,” I won’t judge. Okay, I will judge you a little, but I’ll do it while I’m eating.
Be kind, eat poke…Aloha.
Danielle Striker is a futurist and foodie who loves exploring what’s next, from emerging tech to the perfect bite. She believes the future should taste as good as it looks.